ITHACA, N.Y. – Three former Cornell track athletes attempted to qualify for the marathon at the 2012 London Olympics this weekend in Houston, and all three put forth excellent efforts in a fast race.

Max King '02 was the top finisher among former  Big Red athletes, setting a personal record by 58 seconds in finishing at 2:14.36. In an 85-runner field, King's time was good for 19th place.

Zachary Hine '09 was the next finisher for Cornell, and he also set a new personal best. His 2:16:40 finish was 14 seconds better than his showing at the Boston Marathon last year. Hine's run put him in 31st place.

Sage Canaday '09 also ran a terrific race, placing 43rd and running the second-fastest time he has ever posted in seven career marathons. Canaday crossed the finish line at 2:18:24.

The race's top three finishers – Meb Keflezighi, Ryan Hall and Abdi Abdirahman – qualified for the 2012 Olympics.